Starting a car is easy. Put the key in, turn it, and the car starts. Would it not be great if starting a conversation was this easy? It can be--if you know how!
Unfortunately, many people don't know how. They struggle with starting conversations. If they do break the silence, the conversation sputters and dies.
This leads to boring parties, embarrassing silences, lack of friends and social skills. Not being able to easily start a conversation hinders business success and enjoyment in life. Do you know what I am talking about?
Starting a conversation can be as easy as starting a car. The reason you can quickly start a car is because you know the two steps:
Step 1: Put the key in the ignition
Step 2: Turn the key
These two steps work every time with virtually any car. So also there is a 2-step method for starting conversations. It will enable you to start conversation anywhere, anytime, with virtually anyone.
Here is the 2-step method for starting conversation:
Step 1: Break the silence
Step 2: Ask a good question
Simple is it not? Don't let the simplicity of the 2-step method fool you. It works! I have used the 2-step method with total strangers, friends, businessman, and even shy people with great success. Let me explain more.
1. Break the silence
A person cannot start a car until they put the key in the ignition, neither can a conversation start until the silence is broken. Generally, a greeting works great to break the silence.
"Hi Tom"
"Good morning"
"Hello"
There is a second way to break the silence and that is with a comment. This works well with strangers.
On a plane: "This has been a long delay."
To a clerk: "Looks busy today."
To a friend: "That was a good football game last night."
Now that the silence is broken, it is time to get the conversation flowing with the second step.
2. Ask a good question
Almost any question will work. In fact any question is better than dead silence. However, a good question will get the conversation moving. Here are a few examples:
"How are you doing today?"
"How was your week?"
"Where are you from?"
"How often do you fly?"
"What do you enjoy about this class?"
You might be thinking, "What if the conversation does not start after I ask a question?" This will sometimes happen. When it does, just remember the car illustration. Turn the key over again and ask another question. The conversion will eventually start.
That's it! Break the silence and ask a good question. Do this and you will be able to start a conversation as easily as you start a car.
--(C) Arlen Busenitz. Arlen is the author of "Conversation Magic: 7 Keys to Unlock your Ability to Conquer Shyness, Make Friends, and Confidently Talk with Anyone." Free tips and articles here: http://www.conversation-tips.com/sc
About The Author
Arlen is a gifted writer and speaker.
One of the most important tools speakers use is their... Read More
Ever notice how smoothly some speakers or writers move you... Read More
Often managers have to deliver presentations with unpleasant content. The... Read More
On a recent Sunday evening, I watched a friend 'graduate'... Read More
Being a guest speaker in front of the right audience... Read More
What benefit do you provide the audience?People should listen to... Read More
Starting a car is easy. Put the key in, turn... Read More
Making a speech seems simple. You speak, others listen. However... Read More
In the thousands of speeches I've heard very few presenters... Read More
Along with the opening two minutes of a speech, the... Read More
Entering the speaking industry can be both daunting and exciting.... Read More
For some reason, the prospect of having to answer audience... Read More
Sure you have catecholamines ? all speakers do. (including Sir... Read More
We were both speakers at the same convention presenting on... Read More
Think of it like this: your fee credibility is as... Read More
Mandy*, a bright, attractive professional woman, had a fear of... Read More
One of the biggest regrets of my life is that... Read More
Public Speaking is a challenging skill. It is TOUGH! For... Read More
You have probably had the experience of listening to a... Read More
When I made the decision to do free workshops and... Read More
Did you know that great speakers are often nervous with... Read More
1. No speech is ever perfect. Perfectionism creates more fear.... Read More
Speaking in public can be a powerful way to build... Read More
I don't know how many books, articles, manuals and scripts... Read More
Many people are recognised for their work, industry, sporting or... Read More
"More learning occurs through emotion than through intellect" C.S. LewisEven... Read More
If you've ever been on stage, doing a talk or... Read More
Your ability to communicate effectively will account for most of... Read More
How do you gain contacts from a speaking engagement?The name... Read More
The first time I had to speak in front of... Read More
Examples and stories can bring your presentations alive. They can... Read More
What are the 5 best ways of getting known in... Read More
What information can be used immediately by the audience and... Read More
Why use the web for promoting your speaking engagements?Most people... Read More
Speaking to an individual is different from the group experience.... Read More
Now that you have all the contacts you can possibly... Read More
Franklin Delano Roosevelt had some good advice for the public... Read More
The fear of speaking in public is well-documented, often discussed,... Read More
Whether going for the gold or giving a presentation, the... Read More
Picture a cool crisp autumn morning in the wide open... Read More
I recently posted an article providing tips on public speaking... Read More
"Educate, Energize, Entertain, and provide an experience for your audience"1.... Read More
Many people are recognised for their work, industry, sporting or... Read More
In a conference setting, nothing annoys audiences more than talks... Read More
Directing a voice-over talent you've hired to read a spot... Read More
Along with the opening two minutes of a speech, the... Read More
In the thousands of speeches I've heard very few presenters... Read More
Every day millions of people around the world make a... Read More
Wouldn't it be great if you didn't have to be... Read More
Almost everybody is nervous when they stand up to speak.... Read More
Delivering an effective presentation to 20 or to 200 people... Read More
1. Listen to your internal dialog. 2. Visualize a positive... Read More
Every speech has an audience and every audience is different.... Read More
I was a celebrity lecture agent in the college and... Read More
I am terrified of heights. The thought of skydiving, for... Read More
Avoid the painWhich would you prefer - root canal dental... Read More
The ability to speak well can enhance your career, clinch... Read More
Two of the top fears of most people are dying... Read More
Toastmasters.... Toastmasters....What is Toastmasters?Is it a bunch of guys in... Read More
"More learning occurs through emotion than through intellect" C.S. LewisEven... Read More
The first time I had to speak in front of... Read More
I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date. No... Read More
Want to gain added exposure at a trade show? Consider... Read More
Uptalk is invading the work place and is reaching epidemic... Read More
1.Preparation The most important step in public speaking is... Read More
You're a bright, dynamic executive. You've been scheduled to give... Read More
Public Speaking |